Marcus Aurelius was an emperor of Rome from 161 C.E to 180 C.E. This man was a great ruler and was considered the last of the five good emperors of Rome: Rome's downfall occurred with Marcus's son Commodus's reign. Marcus was adopted by Antoninus Pius, the previous emperor of Rome, who was married to Marcus's aunt. Marcus was married to his cousin Faustina, Pius's daughter. Marcus, as well as an emperor, was also an author, and wrote about the meaning of life, duty, the cosmos, and public life. He wrote these books for his own guidance and self-improvement. He was considered to be the first "philosopher king".
Significance:
Marcus Aurelius was known for his collection of his thoughts called "Meditations" which was full of quotes of self-improvement. ex. "Our life is what our thoughts make it." He was also a great emperor in that he found time for governmental affairs such as dictating letters, administering government, and hearing court cases.
Marcus Aurelius
Backround Information:
Marcus Aurelius was an emperor of Rome from 161 C.E to 180 C.E. This man was a great ruler and was considered the last of the five good emperors of Rome: Rome's downfall occurred with Marcus's son Commodus's reign. Marcus was adopted by Antoninus Pius, the previous emperor of Rome, who was married to Marcus's aunt. Marcus was married to his cousin Faustina, Pius's daughter. Marcus, as well as an emperor, was also an author, and wrote about the meaning of life, duty, the cosmos, and public life. He wrote these books for his own guidance and self-improvement. He was considered to be the first "philosopher king".Significance:
Marcus Aurelius was known for his collection of his thoughts called "Meditations" which was full of quotes of self-improvement. ex. "Our life is what our thoughts make it." He was also a great emperor in that he found time for governmental affairs such as dictating letters, administering government, and hearing court cases.Works Cited:
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Marcus_Aureliushttp://www.unrv.com/five-good-emperors/marcus-aurelius.php
http://www.roman-empire.net/highpoint/marcaurelius.html
http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/17212.Marcus_Aurelius